Reminisce with me, Brothers, if you can, back to the night you received your MM degree. You were probably experiencing a mix of emotions: the excitement of having reached the peak of Craft Masonry, the anxiousness of not knowing what to expect in this degree, and the mental gymnastics of trying to calm the mind so you could pay attention and absorb as much as possible. As you were once again divested of light and all reminders of the outside world, you knocked on the door to be admitted, approached the same gates for permission to pass, and proceeded to the center of the lodge room for the final time. Once again, you were taught certain lessons and took upon yourself certain obligations. You were introduced to the sign of this degree, but this time, the emphasis was placed on the sacral region.

Unsatisfied with the monitorial explanation of the sign of this degree, I turned once again to Buddhist symbology and Jungian psychology to deepen my understanding of this final transformation in my internal ascent.

The Sacral Chakra and the MM’s Transformation

The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, governs creativity, sensuality, passion, and the unconscious mind. It is the center of desire, emotional flow, and transformation, making it the crucible in which one’s egoic self must dissolve so that something higher may emerge.

Had Carl Jung undergone the degrees of Freemasonry, he might have described the MM degree as the death of the Ego—a surrender to the Collective Unconscious, which some may label as God, Deity, or the Higher Self. This mirrors the “unexpected event” within the ritual, where a tragic moment occurs after a certain Master Craftsman thrice denies unworthy parties rewards that they did not earn.

This moment symbolizes the last desperate struggle of the Ego as it clings to its attachment to the material world, not realizing that it is truly fighting against itself. The tragic event represents the Ego’s final stand before dissolution—a necessary step in the soul’s path toward enlightenment.

Death of the Ego and Rebirth of the Spirit

With the death of the Ego, long-held identities and attachments to societal constructs dissolve, leaving behind a void that is both terrifying and liberating. The sacral chakra, as a source of creation, becomes the crucible for rebuilding one’s inner self. This rebirth is not simply a return to innocence, but an emergence into a higher state of awareness, integrating both light and shadow.

The watery element of Svadhisthana symbolizes flux and transformation, washing away the remnants of the false self and allowing space for a renewed, authentic existence. A lesson emerges from this relationship between the sacral chakra and the MM degree: letting go of control and attachment.

Since the sacral chakra governs desires, cravings, and attachments to worldly pleasures, the sign of the Master Mason degree reminds us of a lesson that echoes throughout esoteric traditions, particularly in the sacred book of Christian fame:

“Be in the world, but not of the world.”

True spiritual mastery demands surrendering the Ego—letting go of the need to control outcomes and releasing external sources of validation and gratification.

The Lion and the Alchemical Process

Upon finding evidence of the tragic event, marked by a sprig of acacia, it is Raised by a special Grip, which is explained to symbolize the archetype of the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

The lion has long been a powerful symbol in mythology, alchemy, and spirituality. It represents both primal strength and the Ego’s dominance. Within the process of spiritual evolution, the lion embodies the ego’s assertive nature, which clings to control and power. However, as the third stage unfolds, this dominating Ego must surrender, allowing the emergence of the Higher Self.

Confronting the Ego and surrendering its grip requires immense courage, as it involves facing fears, doubts, and insecurities. Like the lion, we must summon our inner strength to navigate the challenges of spiritual awakening and emerge victorious.

In alchemical tradition, the motif of the Green Lion devouring the Sun encapsulates this dynamic. This famous symbol is often misunderstood: while the lion consumes the sun, a new sun rises from the waters below.

• The Sun symbolizes pure consciousness and divine illumination.
• The Green Lion represents the Ego’s dominance and attachment to the material.
• The act of devouring symbolizes the Ego’s destruction as it attempts to absorb divine knowledge.
• Yet, from the dissolution, a new sun emerges—the rebirth of a higher, more enlightened self.

This mirrors the MM’s journey: as we confront our own shadows, we undergo a process of spiritual death and renewal—an alchemical transformation from base nature to perfected being.

Jungian Individuation and the Path to Wholeness

Carl Jung’s concept of individuation aligns closely with the death of the Ego and spiritual rebirth. Individuation is the process of integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche—a journey that necessitates the Ego’s dissolution.

• The Shadow, the repository of unacknowledged aspects of the self, must be confronted.
• The Sacral Chakra serves as a gateway to unconscious desires, unlocking suppressed emotions.
• By embracing these energies, individuals can access the raw materials necessary for transformation.

The Lion in Jungian symbolism is a dual figure: both the unchecked beast of the Ego and the spiritual guide leading one to transcendence. As the lion devours the sun, it also illuminates the unconscious, allowing one to integrate fragmented aspects of the psyche.

This paradox—destruction and renewal—is the heart of Spiritual rebirth.

Practical Lessons for the Master Mason

As a newly Raised MM, the work is not yet complete. The tools, symbols, and lessons imparted are not just surface-level teachings, but keys to deeper transformation. The work now shifts from external mastery to internal refinement.

Here are some reflections for continued growth:

1. Surrender Control & Attachments – Release the Ego’s grip on power, validation, and materialism. True enlightenment requires letting go.
2. Confront the Shadow – Face unconscious fears, traumas, and suppressed emotions. Integration leads to wholeness.
3. Embrace Transformation – Recognize that spiritual rebirth is a process—one that requires inner alchemy.
4. Live with Purpose & Higher Awareness – Let your actions reflect the wisdom gained through the journey.
5. Continue the Work – The Temple is never complete; the quarry within must always be refined.

Final Thoughts: Building the Inner Temple

The MM degree is more than just a title—it is an invitation to deeper work. By piercing the veil of Masonic symbolism and embarking on the inner Great Work, we construct a Temple fit for the Divine.

The Lost Word, like our unity with the Higher Self, may remain just out of reach. Yet, through time, discipline, and spiritual refinement, we may one day achieve Oneness with the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe.

Until then, Brothers, let us continue our labor—not just in the quarries of this material world, but within the innermost recesses of the soul, where the most sublime and sacred edifice may be Raised.

So Mote It Be.